Applied Science BTEC

There are a huge range of of jobs in the scientific and engineering world and this is a growing industry with lots of opportunities for the right candidate. The BTEC applied science course teaches practical scientific skills and gives you a deeper understanding of the fascinating science that is behind much of the modern world. The course is designed and delivered in a fun and engaging way to give you more than just a qualification, it gives you experience of being a bench scientist and prepares you for work in this industry.

With a big employer like GSK less than half a mile from your classrooms you can see first hand the sorts of opportunities that will await you when you leave after two years of training this course is perfect for students who don't want too much of the scientific theory but want to develop the practical skills that are actually required to collect accurate and useful scientific data.

The applied science BTEC course taught me lots of interesting things about a wide range of scientific ideas. It gave me the practical skills I needed to go on to get my apprenticeship.

Year 12 student

Qualification	Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science
Awarding body	Pearson / Edexcel
Entry requirements	GCSE at Grade 4 or above in both maths and English. A single Grade 6 or above in any separate science GCSE or 5-5 in dual award/combined science.
Year 12	Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Science (I) This unit provides you with some key concepts for chemistry physics and biology and is very similar content to that covered in the AS curriculum of these separate subjects. Unit 2 – Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques This is the practical scientific component of course and students will learn all sorts of bench analytical chemistry techniques to set them up for working industry of scientific qualifications in university courses.
Year 13	Unit 3 – Science Investigation Skills This unit builds on Unit 2 and asks students to use their practical scientific skills to complete a series of investigations. One of these investigations will form part of an exam. Unit 8 - Physiology of Human Body Systems This unit takes students a lot further into human biology looking at the role of the circulatory system and the function of muscles and bones in keeping the human body fit, healthy and moving around.
Assessment	Unit 1 is assessed by examination in Summer of Year 12. Unit 2 is assessed internally based on four student assignment write-ups and is then externally moderated. Unit 3 is where both practical skills and data analysis skills will be assessed under examination conditions in Spring of Year 13. Unit 4 is internally assessed through a series of student assignments, similar to Unit 2.

Why study applied science?

The applied science qualification is of particular value to those hoping to move on to practical scientific careers. You will build on your previous studies of science by widening your knowledge of the scientific investigation and practical techniques. You will develop the numeracy skills required in a scientific setting, find out about working in the science industry and leave with skills which STEM employers will really value and will make you a top choice for jobs in this field.

The applied science course was really interesting and fun. I enjoyed doing the assignments and the fact it wasn’t all down to an exam at the end helped me a lot.

Year 13 student